Much needed win for the 2s

Manor’s 2nd XI recorded a much needed victory at Church Road to move them out of the relegation places.

It had looked so different though, when despite the efforts of Taimur Imran (32), Manor found themselves 110-5 on a perfect batting track.

Skipper Trent Turner (41) then played a true Captain’s innings in an excellent partnership with the impressive Antony Rose (135no) which helped the hosts close on a formidable total of 274-8.

In previous seasons Rose has predominantly played 3rd and 4th XI cricket, but he is definitely one player who has benefited enormously with the opportunities available at 2nd XI cricket this season following the mass exodus of players. This was a quite superb innings which will cement the players belief that he belongs at this level, and will give the Club a major boost to have such a good clubman improve so rapidly.

To bowl an opposition out on such a good track was always going to be difficult, but Manor stuck at their task admirably. Wickets were shared between Jude Hocknull, Taimur Imran, Kieran Carroll and Trent Turner but the star performer was young Ridouan Asselman (4-38) with his first appearance of the season since finishing his exams. Collycroft were finally dismissed with two overs remaining, and there does finally appear to be a little light at the end of the tunnel for Manor’s 2nd XI